Sample School Emergency Operations Plan

Springfield School Emergency Operations Plan
Basic Plan
broadcast Springfield School’s external communications plans, including the
information hotline for parents and guardians.
3. Handling Rumors
In addressing rumors, the most effective strategy is to provide facts as soon as possible.
To combat rumors, Springfield School will:
Provide appropriate information to internal groups including administrators,
teachers, students, custodians, secretaries, instructional assistants, cafeteria
workers, and bus drivers. These people are primary sources of information and
are likely to be contacted in their neighborhoods, at grocery stores, etc.
Hold a faculty/staff meeting before staff members are allowed to go home so
that what is (and is not) known can be clearly communicated.
Designate and brief personnel answering calls to help control misinformation.
Conduct briefings for community representatives directly associated with the
school.
Enlist the help of the media to provide frequent updates to the public,
particularly providing accurate information where rumors need to be dispelled.
After the immediate incident response period, Springfield School will conduct public
meetings as needed. These meeting are designed to provide the opportunity for people
to ask questions and receive accurate information.
4. Communication With First Responders
The Incident Commander will maintain communication with first responders during
an incident. Transfer of command will occur when first responders arrive on the scene
to assume management of the incident under their jurisdiction. Springfield School
frequently exercises the School EOP with first responders to practice effective
coordination and transfer of command.
5. Communication After an Incident (Recovery Process)
After the safety and status of staff and students have been assured, and emergency
conditions have abated following an incident, staff/faculty will assemble to support the
restoration of the school’s educational programs. Defining mission-critical operations
and staffing will be a starting point for the recovery process. Collecting and
disseminating information will facilitate the recovery process.
The staff/faculty teams will:
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the physical and operational recovery
needs.
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